GCSE Physics (Edexcel)

Topic Summaries

Moments and elastic potential

Elastic potential energy

  • The work done to stretch a spring means energy is stored in a spring as elastic potential energy, given by \(\text{elastic potential energy}=\frac{1}{2}\times\text{spring constant}\times\text{(extension)}^2\) or \(F=\frac{1}{2}ke^2\).
  • No energy is stored in objects that deform inelastically. Instead, the work done on them causes them to heat up.

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